The former Indomitable Lions’ defender feels that the continent’s representatives are still second-rate when compared to the world’s top teams. Former Cameroon international Lauren has predicted that no African team will get past the quarter-final of the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

Nigeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco and Egypt are the continent’s representatives in Russia, and they would be hoping to challenge for the coveted trophy. Since Africa’s first participation in the quadrennial football showpiece in 1934, only Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002), and Ghana (2010) have reached the competition’s last eight.

And the 41-year-old does not believe the five African flag bearers can challenge the status quo, because they are still a step behind the top teams. “I could say Africa will be in the semis, we’re going to win, but that’s not the reality,” Lauren told BBCSport.

“To be honest with you, I can’t see any of them go further than the quarter finals. This is my honest opinion because we are still one step behind the top teams.

“I can’t see them challenge Germany, Argentina, Spain or Brazil, they are not in that level. “I don’t like to lie to people. I am very honest, I speak my mind because we don’t do things the right way. “It happens in football, it happens in so many other African societies.”

The 2018 World Cup kicks off on June 14 when hosts Russia tackle Saudi Arabia in the opening game at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

Source: Goal.com